Another one who grew up in the 80s, never did we have to pay to attend a party, whether it was macca's or Luna park. In our family if you say its a party you supply the food drinks, nibbles and a cake. It doesn't have to be fancy for goodness sakes.

I am of the opinion if you can't afford the above then you really shouldn't be putting on a party.

I guess we also didn't have a party every year and neither did our friends. I think a lot of parents think a large party every year is a pre requisite these days and somehow there child will be damaged without an official party.

What would I do... I would get the child a cheap gift cos it may be the only present they get. But we would still attend the event because dd1 has been invited to a byo everything, including entry to a indoor playground, party and we were the only attendees. The poor child.

Aww that's sad. Makes me feel p!ssed off with that child's parents. They should have gone with a more affordable alternative if they couldn't afford to cover the guests entry costs. I really don't understand some people. Now that child will always remember only one kid turned up to their birthday party. That's not a memory I would want DS to have and i feel the parents are to blame for that.

Oh and yep maccas parties... The invited child was always paid for by the parents of birthday child and any extras were paid for by the extras or the parents of extras. I found maccas parties were actually cheaper than hosting a full party yourself. 10 kids @ $7.50 a child.

I think it's different if it's a friend/family. But if it was a random kid from the op's child's class that she doesn't know them or the parents I think it's strange.
My DD got invited to so many parties last year and never once got asked to bring food/drink or pay entry.

Maybe they have kids with lots of allergies? So they are asking people to bring their own food so they are not catering for 4/5 diff eating issues?

Maybe they cannot afford a full party but still want to celebrate?

I see no harm in packing a picnic and going along to celebrate...seems pretty jaded.

Maybe they have paid for an entertainer to come to the park as that is what their kid really wanted and there was not enough room at home.

There could be so many options...as a parent of kids with allergies i always have to take my own food to parties (including our own cake) so i don't see it as a big deal. We go to lots of different parties....if i didn't go because I had to take my own food we wouldn't go anywhere.

So, IMO....get off your high horse and if your kid likes the kid that invited them...pack a picnic, grab a present and go have a fun time.

I hosted my daughters 3rd birthday party at a park and on the invite I asked everyone to bring something they know their kid would eat.

Dd and Ds were the only Australian born children at the childcare centre and I wanted to make sure ALL the children had something they would eat. What is a party without food you like? Also I thought this was the safest way to hold it as half the kids were not talking yet.

It's easy to not offend and still cater. Shapes are $2 a packet , smiths chips / Doritos are 2 for $4 sakatas 2 for $3.50 and natural confectionary company lollies are on sale at woolies this week. Yes it's not healthy but for under $20 you have nibbles. Put the party on at either morning or afternoon tea time and some packets of shapes, a few packets of chips and a couple of packets of lollies is less likely to offend than byo.

We have often had parties/celebrations/get togethers, call them what you will, over the years for anything from a birthday, housewarming, or just catching up with mates and usually ask people to bring something (a side/salad or nibbles and others drinks if they want something other than beer or soft drink) but have made it abundantly clear that no presents are required. I didn't think it was that bad to ask people to contribute? At least no one in my friends group seems to mind, we all do it

With so many amazing reversible designs, the soft and cushioned Premium Bubba Mats are the perfect space for all the family. Not only do they look fantastic; you can also enjoy the quality and comfort for years to come.

True Fairies is the first interactive website where children can engage and speak with a real fairy through the unique webcam fairy portal. Each session is tailored to the child, and is filled with enchantment and magic.

Fun & interactive music classes! Classes are taught by professional musicians! Children are taught the fundamentals of music: beat, pitch, rhythm and tempo through hands-on experience. Click for more details!!!